Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to Get Psyduck and Golduck
Psyduck: A Classic Companion in Paldea Psyduck is one of the most recognizable Pokemon in the franchise, and in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, trainers will have numerous chances to add this Water-type to their team. While some Pokemon encountered frequently in the wild become tiresome, Psyduck remains a fan favorite. Found across various locations in the Paldea region, it continues to charm trainers with its quirky nature and battle potential.
Updated on January 29, 2025, by Renri Seong: Since the first generation, Psyduck and its evolution, Golduck, have been staple Water-types in the Pokemon series. Their presence in every mainline game, whether as version exclusives (FireRed) or DLC additions (Sword/Shield), speaks to their popularity. With Scarlet & Violet introducing new Water-types, Psyduck and Golduck may struggle for attention, but they remain essential for completing the Pokedex. This guide has been updated to provide enhanced details on catching and evolving Psyduck, along with Golduck’s strengths, stats, and best moves.
Where to Find Psyduck in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Psyduck Spawn Locations Psyduck is one of the most abundant Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet, appearing in multiple areas across Paldea. Trainers can encounter Psyduck early in the game at Poco Path Lighthouse, typically around level 4. Stronger Psyduck can also be found in higher-level areas such as Casseroya Lake.
Psyduck spawns in the following locations:
South Province: Areas One, Four, Five, Six
West Province: Areas One, Two
East Province: Areas Two, Three
North Province: Casseroya Lake
Glaseado Mountain
Additionally, Psyduck is obtainable through 2-star Tera Raids, where it will be level 20. The Tera Raid version may feature a different Tera type, adding versatility to its battle potential.
Best Spot to Catch Psyduck For an early-game Water-type, the best place to catch Psyduck is near the bridge between Poco Path (Lighthouse) and Los Platos (East). This Psyduck will be around level 4, making it a convenient addition for trainers needing a Water-type.
Evolving Psyduck into Golduck
How to Obtain Golduck Psyduck evolves into Golduck at level 33. If you catch a Psyduck that has already surpassed this level, simply gaining one more level will trigger its evolution.
Fast ways to level up Psyduck:
Use Exp. Candy to quickly raise its level.
Auto-battle Pokemon with type disadvantages (Fire, Ground, Rock) for experience gains.
Where to Find Golduck in the Wild
For trainers looking to skip evolution, Golduck can be found in several high-level areas:
North Province: Areas One, Three
Casseroya Lake
Area Zero
Golduck is also available in 4-star Tera Raids at level 45, where it may have a different Tera type than its default Water typing.
Is Golduck Worth Using?
Stats, Type Effectiveness, and Best Moves Though Golduck can learn Psychic-type moves, it remains a pure Water-type Pokemon. This limits its Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) to Water moves only. Compared to other Water-types in Scarlet & Violet, including the starter Quaxly and its evolutions, Golduck no longer stands out as a top-tier choice. However, with the right moveset, it can still be a reliable addition to your team.
Golduck’s Strengths:
High Special Attack makes it better suited for special moves.
Access to a variety of Water, Ice, and Psychic-type moves for good coverage.
Decent Speed allows it to outspeed slower opponents.
Recommended Moveset for Golduck:
Ice Beam: Counters Grass-types, one of Golduck’s weaknesses.
Psychic: Provides an advantage against Poison and Fighting-types.
Hydro Pump: High-power STAB move (110 power, 80% accuracy).
Surf: Reliable alternative to Hydro Pump with 100% accuracy (90 power). Be mindful that it affects all Pokemon in Double Battles.
Calm Mind or Amnesia: Boosts Golduck’s Special Attack or Special Defense for better survivability.
While Golduck may not be as dominant as it once was, a well-built moveset ensures it remains a viable pick in battle. Whether for Pokedex completion or a Water-type option, Psyduck and Golduck offer reliable choices in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.